Chennai

Modern Chennai (the latter day name for colonial Madras) is often referred to as the Detroit of India... but the two couldn’t be more different. With 4 million inhabitants, it’s small by Indian standards, but don’t let that fool you. As the big-status capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, it retains the colonial trappings of Imperial life, but has transformed itself with an altogether more contemporary outlook. With rich cultural and sporting heritage, today it proudly hosts a world-class tennis championship on the ATP tour.

Must See:Right on the seafront, Vivekananda House is a place of historical chill... not only was it once used to store vast blocks of ice, but subsequently became a place of reflection for a famous wandering monk.

Must eat at:For an authentic taste of Northern Indian specialities with a vegetarian twist, head for Gyan Vaishnava Punjabi Dhaba in the Thousand Lights district. We promise that its name is not the only delicious mouthful on offer.

Must be there for:If you’re lucky enough to be in Chennai in December, you won’t be able to miss the annual Madras Music Season - five weeks of music, dance, drama and art.

Well-travelled facts:· Chennai is responsible for 60% of India’s automotive exports.· With no major rivers to provide a source of water, the city relies on the annual monsoon to fill its reservoirs.